Cable testing: can we do better?

This article will focus on some of these assumptions in the test procedures employed by the industry, examine why and how they were made, question their validity, see where they have led us, and finally, review how improvements in the process of applying new cable technology may be brought about. The industry has made many advances in the past 20 years. These involve not only tree-retardant, crosslinked polyethylene or strippable insulation shields, but also "very smart" shields with controlled strippability and reduced ion content. We now have water blocking constructions, both using strand filling compounds and metallic moisture barriers. Techniques are available for impregnating or drying aged installed cables to extend life and delay replacement. Perhaps most encouraging is the generally accepted but not universal use of cable jackets which provide mechanical protection and a partial moisture barrier role at minimal increased cost.<>